Fredderico Soda, 29, of Tabernacle, was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 14, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said in a news release.
The investigation began earlier in 2024 when the county prosecutor's office received a tip about Soda's online activities from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Palmer Township, PA, police were also contacted by the girl's parents about Soda's online interactions with her.
Investigators said Soda continued talking with the girl and exchanging photos with her after learning she was underage. The two met through an online chat room.
Prosecutors said Soda was planning to meet the victim in person but he never did before his arrest. Police executed a search warrant at his home and seized electronic devices that will be forensically analyzed.
Soda was charged with second-degree impairing/debauching the morals of a child, distribution of child sexual abuse material, and possession with intent to distribute of child sexual abuse material. He was also given third-degree charges for possession of child sexual abuse material and obscenity to a minor.
Soda was held in the Burlington County Jail to await a detention hearing.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Ventnor-Margate and receive free news updates.